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Tuesday, 5 April 2011

FA Cup Tickets Stolen

Thieves have made off with 900 FA Cup semi-final tickets from Manchester City after the Royal Mail Van which was carrying the tickets was targeted in Manchester on Friday and subsequently, the person believed to be behind the robbery has been arrested. The tickets for the upcoming derby slated for April 16 will probably be sold on the black market but authorities are intent on making sure that the tickets are not used to get into the game. As a result, the police have arrested a 39-year-old man who has been retained on suspicion that he might be involved.

The man who was arrested was actually not found at any of the addresses that were searched by the police and he has been bailed; all this pending further investigations and inquiries. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police revealed that no tickets were found at the locations that were searched but he added that further inquiries and investigations were being held. "Shortly before 7.50pm on Friday, April 1, police were called to Ashton New Road, Manchester, following reports two bags of special delivery mail had been stolen from a Royal Mail van," the spokesman said. "A number of tickets for the FA Cup semi-final were stolen and GMP is working with Royal Mail and MCFC. Inquiries are continuing."

Manchester City have however made it clear that they will be getting in touch with the owners of the tickets and that they will only accept tickets purchased from the club. A statement released by Manchester city said: "Manchester City are working closely with Greater Manchester Police and Royal Mail in connection with the theft of special delivery mail items from a Royal Mail van on Friday. A number of tickets for the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium were stolen. All supporters impacted by the theft will be contacted by the club in the coming days." The statement also said: "Supporters are strongly advised not to purchase tickets from unofficial sources. Only tickets purchased direct from the club will be valid for the game."